After hearing Yang Wudi's words, Bai He understood clearly. Having recently joined the leadership circle of the new Wuji Academy, he had gradually deepened his understanding of how the academy operated.
Although it appeared on the surface that people like Dugu Bo and Yang Wudi managed Wuji Academy, in truth, the ones truly holding everything together were Yun Yibai and Dugu Yan.
If Wuji Academy were compared to a human body, then Dugu Bo and the others would be its muscle and flesh — while Yun Yibai was the brain — the soul of the organization.
It was Yun Yibai who had first proposed the creation of Wuji Academy, and it was also his idea to construct Wuji City.
Though neither Yun Yibai nor Dugu Yan had ever displayed their full strength in front of Bai He, and the other four hadn't shown themselves either, he could still perceive their abilities through subtle details.
The talent and power of those two were not low — otherwise, Yang Wudi wouldn't have spoken of them with such respect.
"If it's just for something like this, there's no need for this old man to attend," Dugu Bo said meaningfully.
"Mm."
"Everyone, it's been eight months since construction on Wuji City began."
"Such a massive project couldn't possibly have escaped the notice of Spirit Hall."
"Yet in these eight months, Spirit Hall has made no move whatsoever in response to Wuji City — and that… is a problem," Yun Yibai paused in his speech.
"Based on Spirit Hall's habits, every city must have either a branch hall or sub-hall under their control."
"While we've claimed publicly that this entire construction project is merely the rebuilding of an academy — and that Wuji City itself is Wuji Academy — we still need to remain cautious of Spirit Hall."
"No matter how we spin it, we've still built an entire city. There's no guarantee that Spirit Hall won't try to establish a sub-hall here simply because of that."
His words made everyone at the table fall into thoughtful silence.
After a moment, Niu Gao spoke up:
"He's right — this is something we need to keep a close eye on."
"Hmph! As the saying goes, 'how can one allow others to snore beside one's bed?'" Yang Wudi snorted coldly.
Dugu Yan added:
"If Spirit Hall sets up a branch hall in Wuji City, it would be extremely detrimental to our newly established advanced soul master academy."
"We'd be under their watch at all times. Our growth would be constantly hindered."
Among the four clan leaders, Bai He was the most level-headed. He thought through things more deeply.
Frowning slightly, a hint of concern flashed in his eyes:
"Aside from those issues, there's more to consider. If Spirit Hall sets up a branch hall here, they'll use their influence and resources to lure away our most promising recruits."
"Young soul masters with ambition won't easily resist Spirit Hall's temptation."
"And Spirit Hall's training system is comprehensive — from beginner to expert, they provide tailored guidance and resources. That's something we at Wuji Academy can't currently match."
After everyone had shared their thoughts, Yun Yibai continued:
"Elder Niu, please instruct the Yu Zhi Clan to halt all construction activity."
"The work on Wuji City has already drawn plenty of attention. From now on, we need to keep a low profile."
"Also, there's no need to retain the buildings outside Wuji City — only Wuji Academy within the city walls should remain."
"The expansion plans for Wuji City are temporarily suspended."
"As for the people living outside the walls, we can build a small village a little further away from the city."
"Our goal is to make Spirit Hall see no need to establish a sub-hall here, and more importantly, not allow them to do so."
No matter what, they had to be cautious. After all, no one could predict what Spirit Hall might be planning.
In short — lie low and grow quietly.
Time passed slowly. The new year's admissions season finally arrived. With its relocation, upgraded facilities, and enhanced faculty, Wuji Academy had begun to be noticed by some nearby soul masters.
However, due to the raised admission standards, the number of enrolled students wasn't large — but those who were accepted had decent talent.
And at last — Yun Yibai successfully broke through the bottleneck to Rank 50.
He went looking for Yang Wudi.
"Senior Yang!"
Seeing the new aura around Yun Yibai, Yang Wudi raised an eyebrow:
"So you finally broke through, kid!"
"Two Soul Kings now, huh? I'd like to see how Spirit Hall plans to hold onto the championship this time! Hahaha!"
Ever since learning that he'd personally be participating in this year's Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament, he had gone out of his way to study previous competitions. Even in past lineups from Spirit Hall, the strongest contestants had only included one Soul King at most.
But now, they had two on their side! The balance of victory was already tilting in their favor.
"Smart of you to come to me for help obtaining your next spirit ring," Yang Wudi added.
He had assumed Yun Yibai would first ask Dugu Bo, the Poison Douluo. But it seemed the young man hadn't even contacted him.
"Where are we headed this time?"
"Thunderclap Canyon."
"The Thunderclap Canyon within the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's territory?"
"That's the one."
"Well, if that's the case, then yes — there are certainly plenty of soul beasts there that would suit you."
"Do you have a specific target?" Yang Wudi asked.
"Not this time. There are many suitable options available. Thunderclap Canyon is home to several draconic sub-species."
So, Yun Yibai and Yang Wudi set out. Since they weren't after a 100,000-year ring, nor were they heading deep into dangerous places like the Extreme North, they didn't need more than one powerhouse to escort them.
"Kid, I've heard that Thunderclap Canyon is home to Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon soul beasts," Yang Wudi said with a sly grin.
"What do you think? With me here, wouldn't you want to give it a shot?"
Yun Yibai didn't hide his thoughts:
"If I come across a suitable Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon soul beast, of course, I'd be delighted."
Among those with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Martial Soul, many existed.
But those who had obtained spirit rings from Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon soul beasts were extremely rare.
There were three main reasons:
The species itself was very scarce.
Because of this rarity, most of the less-than-10,000-year-old Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon soul beasts were protected by the clan's main bloodline. Only over-10,000-year-old ones were allowed to roam freely in Thunderclap Canyon. Not only that — the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect had disciples stationed around the canyon to guard the perimeter. You needed formal permission from both the sect and Spirit Hall to enter.
Every member of the sect understood the unspoken rule:
Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon soul beasts belonged to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
Even among branch families, only those with extraordinary talent were allowed to absorb such rings.
For Lightning-type soul masters outside the clan, no one dared offend the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and risk their wrath.